Intervention details

Dockside

Intervention description

Dockside is a structured synthetic phonic reading scheme for beginner and reluctant readers aged 10+, who are yet to reach National Curriculum level 3c. The storylines, use of technology, language and highly visual approach are all aimed at older learners. The whole Dockside programme comprises seven stages, from Starter level to Stage 6. Starter level assumes no previous success at reading. By the end of the complete programme, learners are reading within National Curriculum level 3. There is a teacher’s page for each book, along with three copymasters: one linked to the phonic/spelling focus, one linked to reading comprehension and one linked to writing. It is suggested that the ideal way to use Dockside is to have three sessions a week with 1:1 teaching in each: a skills lesson, a guided reading lesson, and a guided writing lesson. As well as reading books for students, Dockside resources include teacher’s books with lesson plans, assessment materials and CD-ROMs.

Evidence Summary

Dockside has not been included in any systematic reviews into the effectiveness of educational programmes.